Echono Urges Nigerians to Embrace Oloyede’s Integrity, Commitment to Public Service
Edino Chubiyo Cornelius 
Executive Secretary, TETFund, Arc. Sonny Echono,
ILORIN, Nigeria – The Executive Secretary of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund), Arc. Sonny Echono has called on Nigerians to embrace integrity, courage and selfless public service as enduring values for national development.
Echono made the appeal on Monday while chairing the University of Ilorin Homecoming Celebration and Investiture Ceremony, where Professor Emeritus Is-haq Oloyede and 30 other distinguished Nigerians were honoured for their contributions to education, humanity and national development.
He said recognising outstanding individuals during their lifetime not only celebrates excellence but also inspires others to pursue lives of impact and service.
According to Echono, Oloyede’s career exemplifies integrity, accountability and commitment to nation-building, particularly through his leadership as Registrar and Chief Executive of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
He commended Oloyede’s efforts to combat examination malpractice, describing the exercise as a difficult but necessary reform that disrupted organised examination fraud networks across the country.
Echono recalled that the campaign required collaboration with security agencies to investigate and dismantle syndicates involved in examination malpractice.
According to him, JAMB’s interventions went beyond providing examination support for candidates with visual and hearing impairments to strengthening institutions that prepare persons with disabilities for higher education.
Speaking at the ceremony, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Egbewole, described Oloyede as one of the institution’s most accomplished alumni whose academic and administrative achievements continue to enhance the university’s reputation.
Egbewole said the establishment of a professorial chair in Oloyede’s honour was designed to preserve his legacy while encouraging excellence in scholarship and leadership.
He also appealed for support towards the N250 million endowment fund created in honour of the former JAMB Registrar.
The Vice-Chancellor urged recipients of the university’s awards and ambassadorial honours to translate the recognition into tangible support by sponsoring projects that would further strengthen the institution.
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Otamere Gladness 
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